Mount Emei峨眉山
Mount Emei, a sacred Buddhist mountain and Samantabhadra's bodhimanda, crowns at the 3,079 m Golden Summit — the sea-of-clouds sunrise is its signature wonder.
Chengdu · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Mount Emei worth visiting?
One of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains and the seat of Samantabhadra. Entry CNY 160 plus CNY 90 shuttle, cableways extra. The Golden Summit sunrise is the whole point — a five-star must-see.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Peak season (Jan 16-Dec 15) CNY 160, off-season CNY 110. Shuttle bus CNY 90 (essentially required); cableway one way CNY 50-65 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours; park buses run 06:00-18:00 |
| Recommended duration | 1-2 days. Take the park bus to Leidongping, then walk or ride the cableway to the Golden Summit |
| Best time to visit | April-June for azaleas, September-November for autumn leaves. Winter brings snow, but paths are slippery |
| How to get there | High-speed rail direct to Emeishan station (about 1 hour), or coach from Chengdu Xinanmen bus station (about 2.5 hours) |
| English signage | Yes |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Elevation | 3,079 m (Golden Summit) |
| Type | Sacred Buddhist mountain |
| Standing | One of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains |
| Principal deity | Bodhisattva Samantabhadra (Puxian) |
| Heritage status | UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Location | Emeishan City, Leshan |
What to expect
Mount Emei rises in Emeishan City under Leshan, Sichuan, its highest point the 3,079 m Golden Summit. One of the four sacred Buddhist mountains of China (with Wutai, Putuo and Jiuhua), it is the bodhimanda of Samantabhadra. Around thirty temples dot the mountain, foremost among them Baoguo Temple, Qingyin Pavilion, Hongchun Ping, Xianfeng Temple and the Huazang Temple on the Golden Summit.
The Golden Summit is Emei's crowning glory: at 3,079 m it holds the Golden Summit Hall (Huazang Temple), the colossal ten-direction Samantabhadra statue — the largest of its kind — and the summit cableway. Sunrise and the sea of clouds are the mountain's two great wonders; from the viewing platform the cloud floor rolls and seethes as golden light breaks through.
Visitors of average fitness should ride the park bus to Leidongping (about 50 minutes), then walk or take the cableway to the summit (about 30 minutes). Strong hikers can climb the whole way — a two-day affair. Either way, overnight at Leidongping or the Golden Summit and be up early for the sunrise.
How to get there
High-speed rail to Emeishan station (about 1 hour from Chengdu East); shuttle buses to the scenic area wait outside the station. Alternatively a direct coach from Chengdu Xinanmen bus station takes about 2.5 hours.
Best photo spots
- The ten-direction Samantabhadra statue in sunrise gold
- The sea of clouds from the Golden Summit (within 2 hours after sunrise)
- The macaques along the Leidongping-Golden Summit trail
- Baoguo Temple, the first temple at the mountain's foot
Tips
- Overnight on the mountain and set out early for the sunrise
- Mountain lodging is pricey and basic — book ahead
- The macaques snatch bags; never eat in front of them
- Hiking trails are slippery — mind your footing
Scams to avoid
- Vendors at the mountain foot mark up food and drink — bring your own water
- Macaque bag-snatching is common; guard your belongings
Frequently asked questions
Can Mount Emei and the Leshan Giant Buddha be combined?
Yes — they are about 40 km apart, roughly an hour by car. Do Emei first, then Leshan.
How many days are needed?
Two. One day is a rush: Baoguo Temple and Qingyin Pavilion at the bottom one day, the Golden Summit sunrise the next morning.
Can you see the sunrise in winter?
Yes, but the summit is bitterly cold and the paths may be iced — bring traction and warm layers.
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